Mid-tier processing · #9 of 17
Approbation in Rheinland-Pfalz
LSJV · Mainz · Last verified
Processing
5–12 months
Drittstaat realistic range
Approbation
€200
Issuing-authority fee
FSP exam
€425
Chamber fee
Processing time
What Rheinland-Pfalz says vs what applicants report.
Official (authority source)
ProfeS initial review: typically less than 1 week; document completion stage ~8 weeks on average before forwarding to LSJV (Ärzteblatt, Oct 2025)
Source: aerztestellen.aerzteblatt.de
Verified 12 May 2026. Plan for 5–12 months end-to-end.
Where to apply
Two different bodies.
Approbation authority
LSJV — Landesamt für Soziales, Jugend und Versorgung, Referat 53.1, Koblenz (Drittstaat first applications via ProfeS GmbH since July 2024)
Mainz
Official pageFSP chamber (separate body)
Bezirksärztekammer Rheinhessen (on behalf of LÄK RLP) — held in Mainz
Direct registration — candidates register with the chamber directly.
How it works
The process in Rheinland-Pfalz.
Since July 2024, all Drittstaat first-time applications in RLP are pre-screened by ProfeS GmbH in Landau (mobile Beratungsstellen in Mainz, Kaiserslautern, Germersheim) before going to LSJV. Application forms are available in English. Important: since 9 May 2016, LSJV has not performed documents-based Gleichwertigkeit assessments for doctors trained in Syria — those applicants go directly to the Kenntnisprüfung (verifiability concerns). ~736 new Drittstaat applications received Jul 2024 – Jul 2025; ~70% forwarded to LSJV within the first year. Berufserlaubnis fee: €151.45.
Required documents
What LSJV expects in your file.
- 01Medical degree (original or legalised copy)
- 02Transcript
- 03Home-country licence
- 04Passport
- 05CV in German
- 06B2 general German certificate
- 07Police clearance
- 08Health certificate
- 09Sworn translations
Verify the current list with LSJV before submitting — requirements change without public notice.
FSP in Rheinland-Pfalz
€425 at Bezirksärztekammer Rheinhessen (on behalf of LÄK RLP).
Three-part oral exam, standard GMK format. RLP pioneered the FSP in 2012.
Scheduling: Registration by email with Zwischenbescheid from LSJV, B2+ certificate, CV, and ID. Candidates with a job offer or RLP residence get scheduling priority. FSP fee €425.
Prepare for the FSP
What to know
Before you apply.
RLP is the only state with a published and named country exception: Syrian-trained doctors are routed directly to Kenntnisprüfung regardless of documentation. If you trained in Syria, factor this into your state choice. The ProfeS pre-screening adds ~8 weeks but also reduces document errors reaching LSJV.
FAQ
Frequently asked.
How long does an Approbation application take in Rheinland-Pfalz?+
LSJV states: "ProfeS initial review: typically less than 1 week; document completion stage ~8 weeks on average before forwarding to LSJV (Ärzteblatt, Oct 2025)". Last verified 12 May 2026.
What does the Approbation cost in Rheinland-Pfalz?+
The Approbation fee is €200. The FSP exam costs an additional €425 at Bezirksärztekammer Rheinhessen (on behalf of LÄK RLP). Additional costs typically include sworn translations (€500–1,500), apostilles, and document procurement.
Who issues the Approbation in Rheinland-Pfalz?+
The Approbation authority is LSJV — Landesamt für Soziales, Jugend und Versorgung, Referat 53.1, Koblenz (Drittstaat first applications via ProfeS GmbH since July 2024), based in Mainz. Note that the FSP is run separately by Bezirksärztekammer Rheinhessen (on behalf of LÄK RLP) — these are two different bodies.
Where do I take the FSP for Rheinland-Pfalz?+
Bezirksärztekammer Rheinhessen (on behalf of LÄK RLP) — held in Mainz. Three-part oral exam, standard GMK format. RLP pioneered the FSP in 2012.
Can I apply for Approbation in Rheinland-Pfalz online?+
No — applications to LSJV must be submitted by post. Email submissions are not processed.
How are doctors trained in Syria treated in Rheinland-Pfalz?+
Rheinland-Pfalz routes Syria-trained applicants directly to the Kenntnisprüfung rather than running a documents-based Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung. This is an explicit state policy — verifiability of source documents is cited as the reason.
Neighbours by speed
Faster & slower than Rheinland-Pfalz.
Specialist referrals
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